Bandon, Oregon

Always a scenic drive, West Coast camping and hiking up the coast on Highway 1 in NoCal, Oregon and Washington. Bandon, Oregon has views, seafood, hiking, and golf too.

Lake of St Moritz

Nice stroll around the lake below the glamorous mountain village.

Pontresina in Gräubunden Canton

We decided to set up a base camp in the town of Pontresina to explore the glaciers, lakes, trails and towns from St Moritz to Alp Grum station in Poschiavo, just past the highest point of the Bernina Express. The efficient buses, trains, gondolas, and lifts are timed perfectly for various day trips. Hike from one train stop to the next and return (eg Lago Bianco). Or board a cog train (Muottas Muragl) to a high traverse. Then hike to your destination and take the ski lift (Alp Languard) straight down to Pontresina and fresh lager. The possibilities are limitless.

Sils Maria

The Upper and Lower Engadine Valley in SE Switzerland are not as well known but definitely worth the trip. Sils-Maria is a quaint village between two beautiful mountain lakes and home of the "Majola Snake", a whispery & mysterious cloud that snakes up through the valley. Gondolas whisk you to the high traverse and glaciers above the town, or take a lakeside walk.

Appenzell and hiking at Ebenalp

East of Zurich is the quaint town of Appenzell. A short train ride away are the charming trails of Ebenalp. Take the cable car up, and hike one of the trails down by the stunning cliffside mountain hut, historical cave, and lake.

Paris Walks

The city of Paris has to be one of the best urban walks of all. Pick a neighborhood and start exploring, or trek through a museum or church. Book a walking tour like "Paris Walks" through Les Marais, Montmartre, Latin Quarter, the French Revolution, and Hemingway's Haunts etc, and watch history unfold before your eyes.

Fagradalsfjall Volcano, Reyknanes Peninsula (by airport)

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, lived up to its billing. After consulting the park ranger and map of the lava flow, we hiked up Route C to the newly erupting volcano. We met the steamy lava very slowly oozing down, and tried hiking up the opposite ridge to get a closer look inside the fiery crater. However, we were met with punishing cold winds and sideways rain. Turned around on the steep slope!

Stykkishólmur, Snaefellnes Peninsula

Took the "shortcut" toward Western Iceland from Akureyri on gravel backroads. Glad we had an SUV! Stykkishólmur on the northern part of the peninsula is the jumping off point for the ferries to the Westfjords. Spent the night in town then proceeded to drive and hike around the peninsula (counterclockwise) seeing magnificent sites like Cathedral Rock. Incredibly scenic and hospitable area, albeit remote. 

Húsavík Farmhouse, N Iceland

Discovered a wonderful coastal trailride at our farmhouse for the night located outside the quaint town of Husavik. Icelandic horses are both cute and hardy, a special breed known for their agreeable nature and special gaits. They are the only horses allowed in Iceland.

Husavik, NE Iceland

Whale-watching trips leave from this picturesque dock. The wooden church in town was built in 1907 in the Swiss Chalet style.

Akureyri, N Iceland

Akureyri is the second largest city in Iceland and a pleasant place to hang out and visit the hot dog stand.

Hengifoss Waterfall and Guesthouse

Proceeding north, diverted from the Ring Road to another dramatic waterfall hike and the quaint nearby Hengifoss Guesthouse with a perfectly situated tree in the cozy wood dining room. Baked Icelandic cod fresh and delicious. 

Höfn, SE Icelandic fishing town

The gorgeous scenery does not stop. Lucky to have several sunny days sprinkled throughout our two week trip in Iceland during late June and early July. It goes without saying that weather can make or break this vacation! Fresh langostino thin crust pizza at Ishusid Pizzeria on the waterfront. 

Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, SE Iceland

Reserve your spot on an amphibious duck-boat vehicle to get up close to spectacular icebergs floating in the lagoon. If you are driving counterclockwise on Ring Road, drive from the nearby national park to the glacial lagoon on the same day with careful planning.

Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park

Wonderful day hiking to see Iceland's (and Europe's) largest glacier.

Elves, yes at Skógar Museum, Vik

Sod-roofed homes originally designed from the Viking era provide shelter from the harsh northern elements. Elves provide protection too, if proper respect has been shown. (“Eurovision Song Contest” movie with Will Farrell set partially in Husavik in the north is a quirky intro to Iceland.)

The Ring Road

After the Golden Circle, we drove counter clockwise around the Ring Road making hotel reservations at key stopping points around the country. Dramatic landscapes (some you may have seen in The Game of Thrones series) and beautiful waterfalls are all along the route. Don't rush this drive, one, for safety, and two, because the entire country is like a national park. Bring food for picnics or snacks along your journey. There are few places to stop for lunch outside the towns, and for dinner, some restaurants are small and fully booked.

Brúarfoss, the bluest waterfall

On the way to the Golden Circle is the trailhead for the "bluest" waterfall. Well worth the stop for a pleasant two-hour riverside hike.

Golden Circle, Iceland



After renting an SUV at the airport, a soak in the Blue Lagoon, and a short stay in Reykjavik, we drove to the "Golden Circle". The Golden Circle is central southwest Iceland and is famous for its national park, glaciers, thermal geysers, the original parliament, and large waterfalls. Two tectonic plates converge at Iceland, and a long fissure is literally visible across the land, including in this location. We stayed at Natura Yurtel, a Mongolian-style yurt near the National Park on a working horse farm in the town of Haukadaur. Remote, windy, wild, and beautiful.